SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 For Tier 1 and Tier 2, Marking Scheme

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CGL Exam to recruit eligible graduates for various Group B and Group C posts in different government departments. The selection process consists of two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2, and there is no interview, making it a fully computer-based recruitment process.

For better preparation, candidates must clearly understand the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026, including the number of questions, section-wise weightage, marking scheme (along with negative marking), and exam duration for each tier. Having a strong knowledge of the exam pattern is essential before starting preparation, as it helps candidates plan their strategy more effectively.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

The exam includes two stages—Tier 1 and Tier 2, both conducted in an online, objective-type format. Tier 1 is mandatory for all candidates. In Tier 2, Paper 1 is compulsory for everyone, Paper 2 is specifically for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post, and Paper 3 is for those applying to the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) vacancies. A detailed breakdown of the exam pattern is provided below for a clearer understanding.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Stages

Candidates interested in the SSC CGL 2026 Exam are required to go through the following stages:

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The Tier 1 Exam Pattern comprises 100 questions with a total of 200 marks. This initial stage of the selection process includes questions from four main sections, which are provided below:

1. General Knowledge
2. Quantitative Aptitude
3. General Reasoning
4. English Comprehension

The Schema of the SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam pattern is explained in the table given below:

Note:- For every wrong question there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks also.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

For all the posts, Paper 1 is compulsory, whereas Paper II is for only those who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

1. The candidates must qualify all the sections of Paper-I.
2. Tier-II (Paper-I, Paper-II) will consist of Objective Type, multiple-choice questions, except for Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I.
3. The questions will be set both in English & Hindi, except forthe  English Language and Comprehension module in Section II of Paper I.

Here, we have discussed the SSC CGL Exam Pattern for the Tier 2 for the candidates.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 Paper 1

The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern for Paper 1 has been mentioned in the table given below.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 Paper 2

The SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 for the JSO posts has been mentioned in the table given below.

Note: For every wrong question There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II.

SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test

The SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) will be conducted by SSC and it is mandatory for all posts. It is included under the Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I and the duration is 15 minutes. Check the DEST details below.

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SSC CGL Negative Marking

The SSC CGL Negative marking will be done on Tier 1 and Tier 2 papers for every wrong answer. The candidates appearing in the examination must be careful towards the negative marking as it will lead to the deduction of their marks.

Important Tips

• Start with the Tier 1 syllabus, but keep the Tier 2 level in mind for Maths and English.
• Solve the previous year papers of both tiers side by side.
• Give sectional mocks first, then full-length mocks.
• Maintain short notes for revision, especially formulas and grammar rules.
• Avoid Negative Marking
• Work on Speed and Accuracy